If you are a fan of baseball, you have probably seen the mascots of the teams cheering on the players and entertaining the crowd. Mascots are an integral part of the game experience, adding fun and personality to the sport. But have you ever wondered how much they make, who they are, and how to become one? In this article, we will answer all these questions and more, giving you a comprehensive overview of the mascot salary MLB and other aspects of this unique career.
How Much Do MLB Mascots Make
The salaries for MLB mascots vary widely depending on a number of factors. These can include the size of the market, the team’s success, the amount of promotional work the mascot is asked to do, and the number of years the mascot has been with the team. The average salary for an MLB mascot is estimated to be around $50,000 per year. However, there are only so many professional sports mascot jobs available, and it is often common for those who get these jobs to start as college mascots, which generally earn a salary of around $45,000.
It is also worth mentioning that famous sports mascots can earn much more than this. For example, Harry the Hawk – the Atlanta Hawks mascot – makes more than $600,000 annually. This income shows some upside potential in the mascot field if you can establish yourself as one of the best performers in the industry.
Highest and Lowest Paid MLB Mascots
According to totalsportal.com, an MLB mascot can make anywhere from $450 to $2000 per game Wally the Green Monster from the Boston Red Sox has the highest per-game salary at $2,000. This translates to an annual salary of $250,000, making him the highest-paid MLB mascot. On the other hand, some of the lowest-paid MLB mascots are Mariner Moose from the Seattle Mariners, Ace from the Toronto Blue Jays, Stomper from the Oakland Athletics, and Swinging Friar from the San Diego Padres, who all make $450 per game, or $65,000 per year.
Real Names of MLB Mascots
Most MLB mascots have names that are related to their team’s name, logo, or history. For example, the Baltimore Orioles mascot is called The Bird, the Chicago Cubs mascot is called Clark the Bear, and the Houston Astros mascot is called Orbit. Some mascots have more creative or humorous names, such as Bernie Brewer from the Milwaukee Brewers, Phillie Phanatic from the Philadelphia Phillies, and D. Baxter the Bobcat from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The real names of the people who wear the mascot costumes are usually kept secret, as part of the mystique and magic of the mascot persona.
Become an MLB Mascot
The primary qualifications for becoming an MLB mascot are a high school diploma or GED certificate, though college graduates are often preferred. You also need to have strong physical, social, and entertainment skills, as well as a passion for baseball and the team you represent. You will need to be able to perform various stunts and dances, interact with fans of all ages, and have a good sense of humor and timing. You will also need to be flexible and adaptable, as you may be asked to work at different times and locations, and deal with different situations and challenges.
There is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming an MLB mascot, but some steps that may help you are:
- Get a college degree related to being a mascot, such as sports management, marketing, theater, or dance.
- Develop some experience as either a mascot or entertainer, such as working as a mascot for your high school or college team, or performing at local events, parties, or festivals.
- Apply for mascot jobs with MLB teams or minor league teams, and be prepared to showcase your skills and personality at auditions or tryouts.
- Network with other mascots and industry professionals, and learn from their tips and advice.
- Keep improving your craft and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the mascot field.
Conclusion
Being an MLB mascot can be a rewarding and exciting career, but it also requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and talent. If you think you have what it takes to be a mascot, you should pursue your dream and follow the steps outlined above. You may be able to land a job as a mascot for your favorite team, and make a positive impact on the fans and the community.
Most Asked Questions and Answers About MLB Mascots
What is the oldest MLB mascot?
The oldest MLB mascot is Mr. Met, who was introduced for the New York Mets when Shea Stadium opened in 1964.
What are the benefits of being an MLB mascot? Some of the benefits of being an MLB mascot are:
- Getting paid to do something you love and have fun
- Being part of a team and a community
- Having a loyal fan base and making people happy
- Having opportunities to travel and meet new people
- Having access to perks and discounts
What are the challenges of being an MLB mascot?
Some of the challenges of being an MLB mascot are:
- Working long and irregular hours, sometimes in extreme weather conditions
- Wearing a heavy and hot costume that may limit your vision and mobility
- Dealing with physical and mental stress and fatigue
- Handling negative or hostile reactions from some fans or opponents
- Balancing your personal and professional life
How many MLB teams have mascots?
As of 2022, 27 out of 30 MLB teams have mascots. The only teams without mascots are the Los Angeles Angels, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the New York Yankees.
Which MLB mascot has the most followers on social media?
According to mascotinsider.com, the MLB mascot with the most followers on social media as of 2020 is the Phillie Phanatic, who has over 300,000 followers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook combined.
Which MLB mascot has won the most awards?
According to the Mascot Hall of Fame, the MLB mascot who has won the most awards is the Phillie Phanatic, who has won the Best Mascot of the Year Award four times, the Most Awesome Mascot Award twice, and the Mascot Hall of Fame Induction Award once.
Which MLB mascot has the most merchandise sales?
According to fanatics.com, the MLB mascot with the most merchandise sales as of 2020 is the Chicago Cubs mascot, Clark the Bear, who has over 200 items available for purchase, ranging from plush toys and bobbleheads to jerseys and hats.
Which MLB mascot has the most appearances?
According to mlb.com, the MLB mascot with the most appearances as of 2020 is the San Francisco Giants mascot, Lou Seal, who has made over 4,500 appearances since his debut in 1996, including at games, parades, schools, hospitals, and charity events.
Which MLB mascot has the most unique features?
According to bleacherreport.com, the MLB mascot with the most unique features as of 2020 is the Colorado Rockies mascot, Dinger, who is a purple triceratops that was inspired by the discovery of dinosaur fossils at the site of Coors Field.
Which MLB Mascot Salary MLB has the most controversies?
According to sports.yahoo.com, the MLB mascot with the most controversies as of 2020 is the Cleveland Indians mascot, Slider, who has been criticized for his appearance, behavior, and association with the team’s controversial name and logo.